IT Procurement Associate

At CVS Veterinary Group, our purpose is to provide the best possible care to animals. Our vision is to be the veterinary company people most want to work for.

We are an international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through four business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

Summary of role:

This is an exciting opportunity to manage and oversee the purchase of IT equipment, software, new technologies and services for CVS. You will work closely with vendors, negotiate pricing and contracts, and ensure that the procured resources meet the organization's needs. You will have direct responsibility for achieving year on year external expenditure cost savings and service level improvements.

You will also assist with maintaining contract repository, supplier due diligence and onboarding, and the Procurement inbox, and lead or consult on other non-clinical procurement projects as required.

This role reports to the Non-Clinical Procurement Manager and works closely with the IT Director and other team members as necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Procurement

• Liaise with stakeholders across clinical and non-clinical teams to gather and refine IT requirements
• Manage key IT procurement projects; develop procurement plans, develop specifications with IT team, identify key suppliers, tender, evaluate, and negotiate contracts, SLAs, licensing terms and pricing with suppliers to ensure best value and risk mitigation
• Facilitate the planning and coordination of equipment delivery, installations, upgrades, and changes
• Track IT procurement activity and report on supplier performance, spend, and contract expirations
• Participate in IT and procurement team meetings to support wider project planning
• Research and identify new and existing vendors and suppliers (hardware, software, telecoms, managed services etc)
• Support the IT Director in budgeting and forecasting of IT spend
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure software and hardware needs are met
• Monitor IT vendor SLAs, license usage, and renewal dates to ensure continuity of service
• Keep up to date with emerging technologies, licensing models, and IT procurement best practices to make informed purchasing decisions

Procurement - General

• Provide support for the non-clinical purchasing and procurement needs, including assisting with the procurement inbox and assisting or leading with other key procurement projects
• Ensure all purchases comply with internal policies, security standards, and data protection requirements
• Ensure that procured items are delivered on time and meet the specified quality standards
• Handle any issues or problems that arise with orders or suppliers
• Maintain and manage relationships with suppliers
• Lead or assist with department continuous improvement initiatives

Key Skills Required:

• IT procurement experience required
• Experience managing or supporting multi-vendor procurement environments is preferred
• Familiarity with software licensing models (e.g., Microsoft 365, antivirus, practice management systems)
• Understanding of data security, compliance, and IT procurement regulations
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure and at the same time prioritise workloads
• Problem analysis and problem-solving
• Proficient with Microsoft packages, especially Excel 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Results driven whilst not losing sight of the business needs.
• People person with excellent listening and interpersonal/communication skills.
• CIPS Level 4 (or actively studying toward it) is preferred 

We offer a range of company benefits including:

• 6 weeks leave a year (5 weeks annual leave + Bank Holidays or equivalent time off)
• Buy/Sell holiday scheme
• Health cash plan – money saved on everyday health treatments
• A range of flexible benefits to suit your needs, including discounted gym membership, childcare vouchers and much more!

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.